The NFP Podcast

In this episode of The NFP Podcast, host Amy sits down with Dr. Marguerite Duane for a rich and inspiring conversation on women’s health, fertility awareness, and the beauty of understanding the female body. As co-founder and Executive Director of FACTS about Fertility, Dr. Duane has dedicated her career to educating medical professionals and families on the science supporting fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and restorative reproductive medicine (RRM).

Amy and Dr. Duane discuss the inaugural HHS Women’s Health Conference, the growing national conversation surrounding women’s healthcare, and the exciting initiatives currently underway through FACTS. Together they explore how fertility awareness can empower women not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

The conversation also dives into breastfeeding, postpartum transitions, and the gift of mindfully tracking the female cycle during motherhood. Dr. Duane shares how cycle awareness fosters deeper mindfulness, helping women better understand their bodies, emotions, and overall health while navigating the beautiful demands of family life.

With her extensive background in family medicine, research, medical education, and restorative reproductive healthcare, Dr. Duane offers practical wisdom and hope-filled insight for women, couples, healthcare professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper appreciation for God’s design of the female body.

Resources:

1. NFP Podcast with Katie Vidmar: https://youtu.be/9hicYXp4ZAc?si=IM3VvOunIoGclnKU

2. FACTS Virtual Conference: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/2026-facts-virtual-conference/

3. Article on FABMS for Women’s Health and Family Planning: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.858977/full

4. Donate to FACTS...parental leave campaign: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/donate/

https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/supporting-families-at-facts-help-us-expand-paid-parental-leave/

5. The FACTS CME course examines the broad applications of modern Fertility Awareness-Based Methods (FABMs) and their role in pregnancy prevention, women’s health monitoring, and management of reproductive and hormonal health concerns. It features expert presenters and live case studies. There are 13 parts worth 16 CME credits each via AAFP to choose from, covering topics such as infertility, miscarriage, amenorrhea, perimenopause, FemTech, lifestyle for fertility, and more. Learn at your own pace with this online opportunity! See more details at www.FACTSaboutFertility.org/professional-cme-course/

6. Get connected to like-minded medical professionals through FACTS About Fertility's membership opportunities. Join as an individual, a practice, or an organization, and experience the benefits of access to education and a community that are hard to find in the medical field. Become a member today at www.FACTSaboutFertility.org/join/ and see the difference FACTS can make in your career and your patients' lives!

In Part 2 of this important and heartfelt conversation, Amy and Emily continue their discussion on infertility, IVF, and the deeper questions raised by the viral interview with Abbey Sharp and Kathryn Blaze Baum. Building on the foundation of Part 1, they move beyond analysis into a more personal and pastoral reflection—walking with listeners through the tension between deep longing and faithful discernment.

Amy and Emily gently but clearly unpack the emotional and spiritual aftermath that can accompany the pursuit of IVF, sharing stories, patterns, and common struggles they’ve encountered in their work with women and couples. They address the often unspoken grief, confusion, and relational strain that can follow these decisions, while also calling attention to the ways our culture can unintentionally isolate women in their suffering rather than truly support them.

With clarity and conviction, they further explore what it means to trust God in the midst of unanswered prayers, and how surrender—though difficult—can open the door to unexpected healing and peace. They highlight the life-giving possibilities of restorative reproductive medicine and Natural Family Planning, not just as alternatives, but as pathways that honor the dignity of the human person and the integrity of the body.

This episode is ultimately an invitation: to rethink what it means to pursue parenthood, to embrace a vision of fertility that is rooted in truth and love, and to find hope even in the midst of deep suffering. Whether you are personally walking through infertility or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers compassion, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Resources:

1. Abbey Sharp Interview: • IVF, Miscarriage & Surrogacy: The Emotiona...

2. Abbey Sharp Infertility Story: • Why am I INFERTILE?? Why not ADOPT? What a...

3. NeoFertility: https://neofertility.us/

4. FACTS About Fertility: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/

5. NaPro Technology: https://naprotechnology.com/

6. International Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine: https://irrma.org/

In this deeply honest and compassionate episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily reflect on a recent viral interview featuring YouTube dietitian and influencer Abbey Sharp and author Kathryn Blaze Baum, who openly share their personal experiences with infertility and IVF.

Amy and Emily begin by acknowledging the real and profound sorrow that accompanies infertility—a cross carried by many couples in silence. With empathy and care, they enter into the conversation, affirming the dignity of every person and the deep desire for motherhood that underlies these journeys.

At the same time, they courageously speak truth about the moral and emotional complexities surrounding IVF and other reproductive technologies. Drawing from both faith and science, they unpack some of the cultural narratives and internal beliefs that can lead women to pursue these paths—often without fully understanding the long-term implications for their bodies, relationships, and children.

Offering a hopeful alternative, Amy and Emily introduce listeners to the beauty and effectiveness of Natural Family Planning and restorative reproductive medicine—approaches that seek to heal the root causes of infertility rather than bypass them. This episode invites listeners into a deeper reflection on suffering, trust, and the true meaning of human dignity.

This is part 1 of a two-part episode tackling one of the most sensitive and important topics in women’s health today.

Resources:

1. Abbey Sharp Interview: https://youtu.be/qC_0swTj3As?si=NS_Tw9gex5nMotTw

2. Abbey Sharp Infertility Story: https://youtu.be/VMCpIsAgyrk?si=dKT_hgFt0XDp3MBO

3. NeoFertility: https://neofertility.us/

4. FACTS About Fertility: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/

5. NaPro Technology: https://naprotechnology.com/

In this milestone 100th episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily take it back to the basics—revisiting the heart of Natural Family Planning and why it matters now more than ever. Whether you’re brand new to NFP or have been practicing for years, this episode offers a fresh, grounding perspective on the beauty and purpose behind it all.

Amy and Emily walk through the different methods of NFP, breaking down how they work and who they serve, while also unpacking the richness of Church teaching on marriage, openness to life, and the dignity of the human person. With honesty and encouragement, they also explore the often-overlooked call to chastity within marriage and how it strengthens intimacy, trust, and authentic love.

To celebrate this special episode, they share practical resources, personal insights, and wisdom gained from their journey and conversations over the years. It’s a heartfelt return to the foundations—reminding listeners that NFP is not just a method, but a way of living that reflects God’s design for love and life.

Resources:

1. Method resources: https://www.factsaboutfertility.org/what-is-charting/

2. Find a doctor: https://mycatholicdoctor.com/

3. NFP USCCB: https://www.usccb.org/topics/natural-family-planning

4. Humanae Vitae: https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_p-vi_enc_25071968_humanae-vitae.html

5. Catechism of the Catholic Church: https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_three/section_two/chapter_two/article_6/iii_the_love_of_husband_and_wife.html

6. NFP Podcast Episode with Fr. Mark Yavarone: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1zBapmVKq5DXx4sJogL709?si=kcZdw5DfRfeCl1pU47rNNA

In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily sit down with Christina Valenzuela, owner and creative director of Pearl and Thistle, for a thoughtful and much-needed conversation on forming young men in the truth and beauty of the human body.

Together, they explore Christina’s newest resource, Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: A Guide for Catholic Boys, a unique and engaging PDF e-book designed to help boys better understand the dignity, purpose, and design of the female body. Christina shares the inspiration behind the project, walks through the content of the guide, and explains why it’s so important to include boys in conversations about fertility and human anthropology.

Amy and Emily reflect on how this resource equips parents—especially mothers and fathers—to speak with their sons about the “language of gift” that the human body communicates. They discuss how fostering this understanding early can shape a deeper respect for women, a greater appreciation for God’s design, and a more authentic vision of love and community.

This episode is a must-listen for parents who want to raise sons with clarity, reverence, and confidence when it comes to the beauty of the human person and the sacred rhythms of life.

Resources:

1. Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: A Guide for Catholic Boys https://pearlandthistle.podia.com/understanding-the-menstrual-cycle-for-boys/zjhqb

2. Pearl & Thistle Webpage: https://pearlandthistle.com/

3. Encyclical: The truth and meaning of human sexuality: https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_doc_08121995_human-sexuality_en.html

4. The NFP Podcast encyclical episodes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1jVTxueZZsOr9xfvsBI74p?si=kIijpUCyQESsogotSfDD-A

In today’s episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Emily and Amy sit down with renowned naturopathic doctor and women’s health expert Dr. Lara Briden to explore the often-overlooked topic of adolescent cycle health. With nearly 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Briden brings both scientific depth and practical wisdom to a conversation that every parent, young woman, and healthcare-minded listener needs to hear.

As the bestselling author of Period Repair Manual, Hormone Repair Manual, and Metabolism Repair for Women, Dr. Briden shares what a healthy cycle should look like during the teenage years—and how to identify when something is off. Together, they unpack common concerns like irregular periods, painful cycles, and early signs of conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis, offering a refreshing perspective that prioritizes root-cause healing over symptom suppression.

Drawing from her work with patients in Christchurch, New Zealand, as well as her contributions to advisory boards and peer-reviewed research, Dr. Briden equips listeners with practical tools and hope-filled guidance for supporting hormonal health from the very beginning. Whether you’re raising daughters, navigating your own cycle journey, or simply want to better understand the foundations of women’s health, this episode is both empowering and deeply informative.

Resources

1. Dr. Briden's Website- https://www.larabriden.com/

2. Dr. Briden's Blog- https://www.larabriden.com/blog/

3. Dr. Briden's Books- https://www.larabriden.com/media-page/

4. Dr. Briden's Podcast- https://www.larabriden.com/podcast/

5. Instagram Live Recording with Dr. Sarah Hill- https://www.instagram.com/p/DQfUz51E-qC/

6. Healing Pelvic Pain (Book), Dr. Peta Wright- https://www.pelvicpain.org.au/shop/p/healing-pelvic-pain

7. IIRRM- https://iirrm.org/

8. My Catholic Doctor- https://mycatholicdoctor.com/

In this episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily sit down with Dr. Teresa Hilgers of the Saint Paul VI Institute for a deep dive into endometriosis—one of the most misunderstood and often misdiagnosed conditions affecting women today.

Dr. Hilgers brings clarity, compassion, and scientific expertise as she unpacks the root causes of endometriosis, common symptoms, and why so many women struggle to receive accurate diagnoses. She also explores the innovative approaches behind NaProTechnology and the Creighton Model FertilityCare System, explaining how these methods work with a woman’s natural cycle to both identify and treat underlying reproductive health issues.

Whether you’ve been personally affected by endometriosis, know someone who has, or simply want to better understand women’s health through a restorative and faith-informed lens, this conversation offers hope, insight, and practical guidance grounded in both science and respect for the dignity of the female body.

Resources:

1. Saint Paul VI Institute- https://saintpaulvi.com/

2. Creighton Model System- https://www.fertilitycare.org/creighton-model-system/

3. NaPro Technology-https://www.fertilitycare.org/naprotechnology/

In this tender and powerful episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily invite listeners into one of life’s most intimate and sacred moments as Amy shares the birth story of her fourth son, Moses.

With honesty and heart, Amy recounts the journey of labor—the challenges, the intensity, and the moments that stretched her strength and surrender. She beautifully captures both the physical trials and the deep grace that carried her through. Surrounded by the quiet comfort of home and the joyful presence of her sons, Amy experienced a birth that was not only safe, but profoundly meaningful and life-giving.

This episode is a moving reflection on the beauty of home birth, the strength of the female body, and the peace that can come from welcoming a child into the world in a familiar, love-filled space. Whether you are discerning your own birth plans or simply want to hear a story that uplifts and inspires, Amy offers encouragement, insight, and hope for women considering a home birth journey.

Come be encouraged by a story of courage, trust, and the miracle of new life.

In this heartfelt episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily pull back the curtain and share honestly about their own Lenten journeys as Catholic wives and mothers. From the beauty of spiritual renewal to the real-life challenges of living out prayer, fasting, and almsgiving in the midst of busy family life, Amy and Emily reflect on what Lent looks like in their homes this year.

With humor, humility, and encouragement, they talk about the struggles and graces of trying to grow closer to Christ while raising children, caring for their families, and striving to live faithfully in their vocations. Along the way, they also share several faithful and practical resources that have helped guide their Lenten practices and can help you enter more deeply into this sacred season.

Whether you’re feeling inspired, overwhelmed, or somewhere in between, this episode is a reminder that Lent isn’t about perfection—it’s about conversion. Join Amy and Emily for an honest and encouraging conversation that will help you walk more intentionally with the Lord this Lent.

Resources:

1. The Life of St Frances of Rome

https://tanbooks.com/products/books/the-life-of-st-frances-of-rome/?srsltid=AfmBOoqUAPUOJzGODv36-pIKsIf_GIImVyUWNlCiUIkW5z2VwGMxLb9a

2. The Confraternity of Christian Mothers

https://www.christianmothers.org/?srsltid=AfmBOorsHBySoPf9DAkOk81KQgnoorp-fT47YvrQu3XIdeHegpe4ub7N

3. Holy Heroes Stations of the Cross Bundle

https://holyheroes.com/products/pray-the-stations-at-home-bundle

4. Novena for Impossible Requests Prayers

https://patronessa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/9-month-

5. Info about Novena

novena.pdfhttps://patronessa.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/9-month-novena.pdf

6. Video format for Novena Prayers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oBiC9Zc9-I&list=RD5oBiC9Zc9-I&start_radio=1

7. Salvation Is From the Catholic Church- How Christ Uses the Church to Bring Us to Him https://a.co/d/0ic6FhMf

8. Why You Should Try Daily Fasting This Lent

https://youtu.be/rO5T62IlnUM?si=J__aki5ZVTsYjw3U

In this powerful and hope-filled episode of The NFP Podcast, hosts Amy and Emily sit down with Dr. Phil Boyle to explore how charting the female cycle can uncover the often-missed root causes of infertility. With decades of experience in restorative reproductive medicine, Dr. Boyle shares how careful cycle tracking is far more than a tool for family planning—it’s a diagnostic key that reveals hormonal imbalances, ovulatory dysfunction, inflammation, and other underlying conditions that may prevent couples from achieving pregnancy.

Having helped over 3,500 couples achieve successful pregnancies—many after years of infertility, repeated miscarriage, and failed IVF—Dr. Boyle brings both clinical expertise and deep compassion to this conversation. Amy and Emily discuss how restorative reproductive medicine offers couples a pathway that aligns with their faith while honoring the dignity of their bodies and their marriages.

If you or someone you love is longing for answers, clarity, and authentic hope on the infertility journey, this episode will both inform and encourage you.

Resources:

1. NeoFertility- https://neofertility.ie/

2. ChartNeo- https://www.chartneo.com/